Donna reflects on her journey, recounting her career shift over a decade ago after taking voluntary redundancy and prioritising family life. Transitioning into contracting, a brave move that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and forced her to reassess her skills and confidence. She shares how contracting taught her adaptability, independence, and the value of focusing on outcomes rather than rigid frameworks.

She discusses her return to corporate life after eight years, highlighting the necessity of evaluating cultural fit during interviews, citing her experience at Coca-Cola as an exemplary case of alignment. She also touches on handling feedback and maintaining an openness to learn while sharing expertise.

Closing with an inspiring quote from Michelle Obama’s book: ‘The Light We Carry’ – “When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it.” This encapsulates her journey of self-belief and growth, leaving listeners motivated to find and harness their unique potential.